Synonyms of supersede

supersede

verb

ˌsü-pər-ˈsēd 

as in to replace

to take the place of

that edition of the dictionary that you have has been superseded by a more recent one

Synonyms & Similar Words

• replace
• supplant
• substitute
• relieve
• displace
• usurp
• displant
• preempt
• cut out

Synonym Chooser

How is the word supersede distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of supersede are displace, replace, and supplant. While all these words mean "to put out of a usual or proper place or into the place of another," supersede implies replacing a person or thing that has become superannuated, obsolete, or otherwise inferior.

the new edition supersedes all previous ones

When is it sensible to use displace instead of supersede?

The synonyms displace and supersede are sometimes interchangeable, but displace implies an ousting or dislodging.

war had displaced thousands

When can replace be used instead of supersede?

While the synonyms replace and supersede are close in meaning, replace implies a filling of a place once occupied by something lost, destroyed, or no longer usable or adequate.

replaced the broken window

Where would supplant be a reasonable alternative to supersede?

The meanings of supplant and supersede largely overlap; however, supplant implies either a dispossessing or usurping of another's place, possessions, or privileges or an uprooting of something and its replacement with something else.

was abruptly supplanted in her affections by another

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of supersede

Thus far, this trend is complementing new-aircraft sales, not superseding them. — Brett Berk, Robb Report, 18 Oct. 2026

Waller is one of the NFL’s few mythical figures — one whose story precedes his stats, whose name supersedes his acclaim. — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2026

So far, that hasn’t resulted in larger robots suddenly superseding humans at sports. — Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 14 Oct. 2026

Ahmed, 42, and Suhail, 49, each were charged in the third superseding indictment with counts of wire fraud, embezzlement, kickback conspiracy and money laundering. — Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 13 Oct. 2026

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